Word@Work James28 - James 3:7-8
Published: Thu, 03/19/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
BEWARE DANGEROUS ANIMALS
James 3:7-8 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV)
James has previously likened the tongue to a horse's bit and bridle, a ship's rudder and a fire. Now he says that our mouth can harbour a wild animal that cannot be tamed, with a poisonous bite. That does not flatter any of us, but it is the truth. Although, like wild beasts, our tongues are not always dangerous; they have the potential, to strike unpredictably with deadly venom. The effect of the words may be delayed - like some snake and insect bites - but they can be lethal to relationships. Whole families, churches businesses or civil stability can be ruined by lies, malice and gossip. Be aware and be warned.
The reason that humanity cannot tame the tongue, is that the human nature is as corrupted by sin as its physical body. It is incompetent to regulate itself. Every lion tamer relies on bribing the animal with rewards, but there is a restlessness about the tongue that refuses to be satisfied until it has done its worst. Of course most people are not like that most of the time, but you cannot tell when poisonous words will be injected into somebody. This makes each of us potentially lethal, as we have the ability to kill truth with lies, and relationships with malice and slander.
No business would knowingly employ somebody who could shatter its credibility, cause customers to stay away or produce faulty products or services. Yet everybody in your company/industry/profession is capable of doing just that! And a good track record to date is no guarantee that they might not bring shame and disgrace in the future. But Christians have an advantage, at least they know their terrible potential, and they can appeal to God for His supernatural help in dealing with the menace within. Indeed, the tongue of the Christian ought to be noticeably different from the arguing and complaining of others. It is one way of saying, 'Jesus has saved me, and He can save you too'.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that Your Word gives me insight into my own foul mouth; and to understand that Your Holy Spirit longs to motivate me to be different. May I not fall into my old habits of speech, by agreeing to lie, gossip and slander. Please tame me and my tongue, because You are the only One with the moral authority to do so. And may what I say be a good witness to my life in Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
James has previously likened the tongue to a horse's bit and bridle, a ship's rudder and a fire. Now he says that our mouth can harbour a wild animal that cannot be tamed, with a poisonous bite. That does not flatter any of us, but it is the truth. Although, like wild beasts, our tongues are not always dangerous; they have the potential, to strike unpredictably with deadly venom. The effect of the words may be delayed - like some snake and insect bites - but they can be lethal to relationships. Whole families, churches businesses or civil stability can be ruined by lies, malice and gossip. Be aware and be warned.
The reason that humanity cannot tame the tongue, is that the human nature is as corrupted by sin as its physical body. It is incompetent to regulate itself. Every lion tamer relies on bribing the animal with rewards, but there is a restlessness about the tongue that refuses to be satisfied until it has done its worst. Of course most people are not like that most of the time, but you cannot tell when poisonous words will be injected into somebody. This makes each of us potentially lethal, as we have the ability to kill truth with lies, and relationships with malice and slander.
No business would knowingly employ somebody who could shatter its credibility, cause customers to stay away or produce faulty products or services. Yet everybody in your company/industry/profession is capable of doing just that! And a good track record to date is no guarantee that they might not bring shame and disgrace in the future. But Christians have an advantage, at least they know their terrible potential, and they can appeal to God for His supernatural help in dealing with the menace within. Indeed, the tongue of the Christian ought to be noticeably different from the arguing and complaining of others. It is one way of saying, 'Jesus has saved me, and He can save you too'.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that Your Word gives me insight into my own foul mouth; and to understand that Your Holy Spirit longs to motivate me to be different. May I not fall into my old habits of speech, by agreeing to lie, gossip and slander. Please tame me and my tongue, because You are the only One with the moral authority to do so. And may what I say be a good witness to my life in Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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